Drug overdoses rise in Windsor-essex in midst of COVID-19 anxiety

There have been an alarming number of overdose incidents in Windsor-essex this month, and the health unit says it could be related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Anxiety and self-isolation can trigger substance use,” said Medical Officer of Health Dr. Wajid Ahmed on Thursday.

“It can trigger relapse. It can make people use more than they normally use. It puts them at a higher risk of overdose.”

The Windsor-essex County Health Unit reports that during the week of May 12 to May 18, the emergency departments of local hospitals had at least 18 substance misuse and overdose cases.

Nine of those overdoses occurred over a 24-hour period on May 16. Fifteen of the cases involved opioids — and a dozen of those involved fentanyl.

Ahmed said those who abuse substances are particularly vulnerable to the novel coronavirus due to their compromised health.

Opioids and methamphetamine already cause damage to respiratory and pulmonary systems.

“Group-based support and social connectedness are a key part of recovery from substance abuse disorders,” Ahmed noted. “Many of those regular services have been disrupted during this time.”

“During this particularly challenging time, it is important that people dealing with substance abuse know that they are not alone.”

Those who are struggling with such issues or have loved ones with such issues are encouraged to visit the website of the Windsor-essex County Opioid and Substance Strategy (wecoss.ca).

Ahmed said the recent surge in overdoses exceeds the threshold for an alert as defined by WECOSS, which includes area health care partners such as Windsor Regional Hospital, Essex-windsor EMS, Erie Shores Healthcare, and the WECHU. The last time the community had a similar alert was in December 2019.